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The differences between extruder operators and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an extruder operator has an average salary of $36,707, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for an extruder operator include extrusion, quality checks and hand tools. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,707 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $17.65 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 66,729 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
An extruder operator's work is essential to industries such as automobile parts manufacturing and aerospace machine manufacturing. They control the machines that make and shape thermoplastic materials. They may also be responsible for training new staff to work on these machines. They also do maintenance on their tools, ensure products meet specifications, and create reports for their supervisors.
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Extruder operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,707 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Woburn, MA | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Baker Hughes | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an extruder operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between extruder operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 4% |